Jenning knock gives England hope... while other miss a trick in Mumbai

IF ENGLAND take anything away from this fourth Test it is the fact they have uncovered another fine batting talent in Keaton Jennings.

- Chris Stocks

Alastair Cook’s side could still win this match and head into the final Test at Chennai next week 2-1 down, and with hope of drawing what has been a gruelling winter series.

But England, 288-5 at the end of day one, did not entirely convince, unlike Jennings who could not have made a more emphatic statement on debut, and during his first day as a Test player.

The Durham opener was Cook’s 11th opening partner in the four years since Andrew Strauss retired as captain.

However, even the 24-year-old admitted matching Strauss’ achievement of scoring a century in his first Test innings was beyond his own expectations.

The impudent reverse sweep for four by Jennings that brought up his landmark off Jayant Yadav shortly before tea told of the confidence and poise he felt in his first match at this level.

Nobody – not even Jennings himself – knew if he could translate the form that had seen him score 1,548 County Championship runs at an average of 64.50 for Durham last summer onto the biggest stage of all.

Yet after a nervy start that saw him dropped on nought at gully and survive an Indian review for lbw on 10, he grew into his new surroundings.